ARISTOCRATS OF CRIME.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19206, 24 June 1924, Page 4

ARISTOCRATS OF CRIME.

THE THIEF AND THE “ FENCE ”

Tho aristocrats of the criminal world are the ‘ fences” —the name by which receivers of stolen property are known. If there wore no * fences” there would b? few thieves (declares Hugh Brady in tho Daily Mail). Sir Ernecjt Wild, K.S., once described a “fence” as a person who remained hidden in his deu working like a spider in its ' web—running few risks and neaping moot of the gains of the thief. Many of the smart “fences ’ are known to the police, but the loyal support given them, by those who take to them tho plunder they secure makes it almost impossible for tho smartest detectives to piece them in the dock. For tho criminal who gives a “fence” away is a marked man for ihe rest of his life. His name is never cursed from a blank list that circulates far and wide. “Fences” even when captured are hard to convict: —even when o, crook turns “tall” it must be proved that stolen goods were purchoved well knowing that they had been ptolen. A “fence.” can admit that a thief had told him that, the goods had been etolen otter payment had been made. The law in that respect is on their side. Many “fences” began life active criminals, hut soon found that work behind tho scenes was safer and more profitable. The thief who has not the confidence of a good “fence” spends most of his life in gaol. Clumsy efforts to dispose c{ stolen property always load to tho deck. There are many apparently mapoclahle firms in London and the nroviness owned by “fences.” They can buy their sleek in the cheapest market. Expert hands ran change the outward appearr.nco of most articles sc well that even the owners cannot rccognu-o their own property. But -where alteration means depreciation goods can he shifted abroad, for the ramifications of fhe receive,\g trade ar,a world-witK The “good fence” is ns loyal to the thief as tho thief is loyal to him, and herein lies tho secret of the safety with which the “fence” enriches himself without undue risk. Wavs and means ore found of looking after a. thief’fi family when he falls hv the way. Whop a. "breadwinner” is te gaol those denendeut on him will not suffer, end a'smart thief is sure of a cheery welcome when he iv>turns to freedom. “Fences” arc singularly free from blackmail. The thief who shirks work and restarts to threats is soon taught a salutary lesson. IDs heather criminals incist on him playing the game!